A test shot is assembled to check parts fit. It's a large aircraft!

SAAB A32A Lansen

The development of a two-seater attack jet began at the Swedish Air Ministry in 1946, after which SAAB built the first prototype in 1948. The aircraft flew for the first time in 1952, named "Lansen" ("Lance," or "Spear"). Production began in 1953, with production of the A32A type commencing in 1955.

Powered by a 3,600kg (4,500kg with afterburner) thrust Rolls Royce 100 Series RM5A engine, the two-seater all-weather attack aircraft could attain speeds in excess of Mach 1 in a dive, making it Sweden's first supersonic aircraft.

The aircraft featured 35-degree swept wings, dual air intakes on the forward sides of the fuselage, and a total of four air brakes on the sides and bottom of the rear fuselage. Four 20mm cannons were nestled in the lower portion of the nose, and a powerful radar and avionics package was included. Other ordnance included 12 18cm or 24 13.5cm rockets, or bomb loads such as 2 600kg bombs, 3 500kg bombs, or 4 250kg bombs. The Lansen could also carry 2 SAAB 304 anti-ship missiles.

260 A32A aircraft where built by 1958. The J32B all-weather interceptor version of the Lansen was produced until 1960 (100 aircraft built), featuring a more powerful engine and 30mm Aden cannons in place of the A32A's 20mm cannons, plus other improvements. 30 reconnaissance aircraft where also produced. The Lansen served until the 1970s, when it was finally replaced by the SAAB Viggen.